Here are the writing/collaboration (aka devising) meetings we have left with suggestions for content:
Friday 1-3 Feb 20th (elevator through Mom/Dad/William)
Friday 1-3 Feb 27th (Mom/Dad/William through Happy Days)
Friday 1-3 March 6th (Happy Days through Basement)
Friday 1-3 March 13th (the whole)
spring break
rehearsals start
We'll likely be shaping some of the later stuff as we talk about earlier scenes as well...but it helps to at least know we have a time set aside to address it specifically! This is a suggestion - let me know if you have other ideas.
A
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
opening scene
I am putting together a list of security questions. Some straight, some off the wall. Also, I am going to see what I can come up with as far as Marions entrance. Any extra ideas for her quirks?
Monday, February 16, 2009
MKE Historical Society Trip
In an effort to help make my research more integrated with the writing of this play, please post the themes/ideas/periods of time/inventions/business...(you get the point) that would be most beneficial to the enhancement of the script below.
Currently I have information on health in the early 19c. and I'm looking into testimonials from factory life. I also am looking into why the Ford plant closed and for what reason. If anyone knows the name of the plant that would be fantastic (was it just "Milwaukee Ford Motor Company")
Things are really changing fast on the script and I want to be able to get data that is applicable to the character in the context of the scene. The idea is that I will get the ideas before I make a trip to the MKE County Historical Society this Wednesday at 9:30. I invite anyone specifically the writers to accompany me. I can drive will leave from my house in Riverwest. Let me know so we can arrange.
Currently I have information on health in the early 19c. and I'm looking into testimonials from factory life. I also am looking into why the Ford plant closed and for what reason. If anyone knows the name of the plant that would be fantastic (was it just "Milwaukee Ford Motor Company")
Things are really changing fast on the script and I want to be able to get data that is applicable to the character in the context of the scene. The idea is that I will get the ideas before I make a trip to the MKE County Historical Society this Wednesday at 9:30. I invite anyone specifically the writers to accompany me. I can drive will leave from my house in Riverwest. Let me know so we can arrange.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
NOTES From Friday's meeting
Hey all - here's what I can remember about what we said on Friday.
1) first point of engagement is title/posters. Perhaps embed a "code" on the posters and/or ticket that people "need" to bring with them?
2) second point of contact is the security guard. Writers will work on making a list of "invasive" questions - from strange to comic that either the guard or a planted guard can ask those who enter.
3) third point of contact is the house management. There were ideas about them not using words to take payment, but using only signs (like the building itself). Perhaps fingerprinting people?
4) Idea that Marion enters from the bike path area, bringing bags with her and goes to the bathroom to put on the vestiges of her power.
5) Next playable moment might be Marion talking with the audience. Various ideas here as she adlibs the history and in general tries to keep tight order. Enter from elevator? holding court by the elevators? Student uses hand-dryer while she's trying to speak?
We had a really fascinating (to me at least...) discussion of the progression of Marion's character. We talked about how she begins trying to control the audience and the historical tale. Then eventually, in the Happy Days section, she realizes she can't do this anymore and she must make a choice. We outlined several options here.
1) she chooses history and melts into the building somehow, becoming a ghost of sorts.
2) she finds it very difficult to choose...and decides too late to embrace creativity (encouraged by the faculty member), but can't make it downstairs with the rest of the group. She finally makes it into the final scene. We talked about using the pull chord/divider things here to symbolize her inability to cross the line of control/history into creativity.
let me know if I didn't quite get all the options there - it was a rich discussion, with you all making great points about complexity of character for Marian.
1) first point of engagement is title/posters. Perhaps embed a "code" on the posters and/or ticket that people "need" to bring with them?
2) second point of contact is the security guard. Writers will work on making a list of "invasive" questions - from strange to comic that either the guard or a planted guard can ask those who enter.
3) third point of contact is the house management. There were ideas about them not using words to take payment, but using only signs (like the building itself). Perhaps fingerprinting people?
4) Idea that Marion enters from the bike path area, bringing bags with her and goes to the bathroom to put on the vestiges of her power.
5) Next playable moment might be Marion talking with the audience. Various ideas here as she adlibs the history and in general tries to keep tight order. Enter from elevator? holding court by the elevators? Student uses hand-dryer while she's trying to speak?
We had a really fascinating (to me at least...) discussion of the progression of Marion's character. We talked about how she begins trying to control the audience and the historical tale. Then eventually, in the Happy Days section, she realizes she can't do this anymore and she must make a choice. We outlined several options here.
1) she chooses history and melts into the building somehow, becoming a ghost of sorts.
2) she finds it very difficult to choose...and decides too late to embrace creativity (encouraged by the faculty member), but can't make it downstairs with the rest of the group. She finally makes it into the final scene. We talked about using the pull chord/divider things here to symbolize her inability to cross the line of control/history into creativity.
let me know if I didn't quite get all the options there - it was a rich discussion, with you all making great points about complexity of character for Marian.
TITLE?
Marian Edsel's Magical Mystery Tour? Or something slightly more theatrical?
Marian Edsel's Hysterical Historical Tour?
Having Marian go bonkers over Henry Ford makes sense since her last name is Edsel...and we have lots of info about Edsel Ford.
Marian Edsel's Hysterical Historical Tour?
Having Marian go bonkers over Henry Ford makes sense since her last name is Edsel...and we have lots of info about Edsel Ford.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Thoughts on Meeting with Rob Danielson
I met with Rob Danielson (a man of many histories, one of them a UWM Professor). Rob primarily worked in the Film department with a keen interest in sound work. I met him to pick his brain on the topic of Kenilworth, sound, history....etc. Out of that conversation came some really interesting ideas for use of sound both recorded and live. I really like the ideas we've been having about recorded sound and using them to evoke an interest/emotion/imagination in the experiencer (audience).
There are several evocative concepts that came out of our meeting here are two:
1)I forget the word, but apparently there is a "stamp" (this is the best way that I can describe this word..maybe thumbprint) that each space has in regards to sound. Recording artists have the ability to figure out different places "stamp" and then replicate it outside of that space to give the illusion that you are in that same soundscape. Follow me? If you don't don't worry. I am still confused about it a bit, and in fact, it may be wrong. So, if anyone has commentary or understands this concept better, please intervene. So...if any space has the ability to be "stamped"....it almost seems like the work we're working with this "stamp" but using movement and text to infuse the "stamp" or bring it to life. I emailed Rob to find out what that term is and if I have the concept right.
Maybe this can be a good title?
2)Rob talked a lot about the kinds of effects of sounds that were happening in the building having real consequences on the body. The constant sound of bending metal, grinding, shaving, hammering, sawing. He mentioned a book written by someone in the modern auto industry having some really powerful testaments to life and work in a factory. Food for thought.
Sidenote:
If more information is needed research wise I have looked into and checked out a book on early 20c. Milwaukee Health (stuff)...things relating to the ever riveting "milk sanitation" and the "garbage issues". Don't laugh, they're quite fascinating! I'll speak for myself.
I have also found a pic. of Mayor Maier...and know where to find images of this kind for future reference.
There are several evocative concepts that came out of our meeting here are two:
1)I forget the word, but apparently there is a "stamp" (this is the best way that I can describe this word..maybe thumbprint) that each space has in regards to sound. Recording artists have the ability to figure out different places "stamp" and then replicate it outside of that space to give the illusion that you are in that same soundscape. Follow me? If you don't don't worry. I am still confused about it a bit, and in fact, it may be wrong. So, if anyone has commentary or understands this concept better, please intervene. So...if any space has the ability to be "stamped"....it almost seems like the work we're working with this "stamp" but using movement and text to infuse the "stamp" or bring it to life. I emailed Rob to find out what that term is and if I have the concept right.
Maybe this can be a good title?
2)Rob talked a lot about the kinds of effects of sounds that were happening in the building having real consequences on the body. The constant sound of bending metal, grinding, shaving, hammering, sawing. He mentioned a book written by someone in the modern auto industry having some really powerful testaments to life and work in a factory. Food for thought.
Sidenote:
If more information is needed research wise I have looked into and checked out a book on early 20c. Milwaukee Health (stuff)...things relating to the ever riveting "milk sanitation" and the "garbage issues". Don't laugh, they're quite fascinating! I'll speak for myself.
I have also found a pic. of Mayor Maier...and know where to find images of this kind for future reference.
Friday, February 13, 2009
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